Reader Response Theory - Maurice by E.M Foster

             These two men reminded me of friendships and relationships that I have actually had with young men during my young adult life. Forster leaves the supposition to the reader that Maurice and Clive have a physical relationship, but nowhere in the book does this illusion allude to the physical, instead they have a close bond between them that is based on trust, compassion and platonic love. It suddenly dawned on me that two people of the same sex can love each other in this way.
             It is hardly surprising that young men and women who attend all male and all female schools and universities become so close in their relationships; this is as true today as it was when Forster first wrote the book. Denied the presence and the social interaction of the opposite sex, these young people require an outlet for their sexual tensions and hang-ups, an outlet that they can only find in the loving comfort of their closest companions. The major difference being that in the contemporary world these relationships are for the most part met, not with the scorn and derision of the past, but with an understanding and acceptance that people can love each other irrespective of their gender.
             Maurice's and Clive's only contact with the opposite sex is confined to the mother and sisters of their respective families, in an attempt to derive some kind of outlet for their sexuality they become a platonic couple and do everything together that most people would expect from a normal man/woman relationship. They take tea together, gossip about mundane things as well as deep meaningful conversations, hug each other during the times when they feel that they are most vulnerable or unhappy and, most importantly of all, they are always at hand for each other when the need arises.
             When Clive one day announces to Maurice that he is to be married a new dimension in their relationship develops. Clive has openly stated with his intentions that the way in which their relationship has been conducted in the past is now at an end and that he and Maurice, although still best of friends, must hold that close friendship at arms length.